2026

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/6237

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Linking Soil–Orchard Fruit Quality and Circular Food Innovation Through the Valorization of Dried Cherry Pomace in Dairy-Based Spreadable Products
(MDPI, 2026-05-29) Rusu, Mariana; Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Motrescu, Iuliana; Stoica, Florina; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Jităreanu, Gerard
This study explored the link between orchard-derived cherry quality and circular food innovation through the valorization of dried cherry pomace. Sweet cherry fruits from the cultivars Van and Stella, grown under the pedoclimatic conditions of north-eastern Romania, were evaluated for physicochemical traits, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and heavy metal content. In parallel, cherry pomace obtained during juice processing of cultivar Van was freeze-dried, characterized, and incorporated into dairy-based spreadable formulations at 5% and 10% addition levels in order to assess its bioactive potential. The results showed clear cultivar-dependent differences, with Van exhibiting a superior bioactive profile, including higher total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity than Stella. Heavy metal concentrations in fruits remained below the maximum allowable limits, while health-risk indices indicated no significant non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 3.18 × 10−2). The dried cherry pomace powder was characterized by high dietary fiber content (49.83 g/100 g dw), substantial total polyphenols (1046.80 mg GAE/100 g dw), anthocyanins (123.27 mg C3G/100 g dw), and antioxidant activity (21.43 μM TE/g dw). Its incorporation into dairy-based spreadable products significantly improved ash, carbohydrate, fiber, phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity, with the 10% level showing the highest functional enhancement. Sensory evaluation indicated that the 5% formulation achieved the most balanced and preferred overall sensory profile. Overall, the findings support dried cherry pomace as a valuable functional ingredient and highlight a practical circular strategy for reconnecting cherry by-products with value-added food applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Emerging Technologies in Rural Development: A Scoping Review of Current Knowledge
(MDPI, 2026-05-15) Butnariu, Andreea; Ispas, Geta-Mirela; Fehér, Levente; Bejenaru, Alexandru-Emil; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
Emerging technologies offer significant opportunities for sustainable rural development; however, their applications have not been systematically mapped across all dimensions of sustainability. This scoping review aims to identify, classify, and synthesize the literature on emerging technologies in rural development, structured around four pillars: economic, social, environmental, and governance. Eligible studies included English-language scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025 that propose solutions based on emerging technologies in rural contexts, identified in the Web of Science Core Collection database, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data extracted from the 129 eligible articles were synthesized in thematic tables and comparatively analyzed for each pillar. Results indicate an accelerated growth in publications after 2020, with machine learning, deep learning, and the Internet of Things dominating applications such as precision agriculture, telemedicine, and water management. Critical gaps persist in biodiversity monitoring, climate adaptation, elderly care services, and rural circular economy, with the governance pillar remaining the least represented. This study proposes an integrated framework and a knowledge map to guide future research and public policies toward balanced and sustainable rural transformation.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Chitosan-Based Technologies in the Food Industry: Functional Properties, Advanced Applications, and Future Perspectives
(MDPI, 2026-06-18) Crivei, Ioana-Cristina; Rațu, Roxana-Nicoleta; Velescu, Ionuț-Dumitru; Lipșa, Florin-Daniel; Stoica, Florina; Balint, Andreea-Bianca; Pavel, Ina-Iuliana; Crivei, Luciana-Alexandra
Chitosan, produced through deacetylation of chitin from crustacean byproducts and, increasingly, fungal biomass and insects, is attracting food-sector interest because it combines antimicrobial activity, antioxidant capacity, biodegradability, and film-forming behavior in a single polymer. This review discusses how source, molecular weight (MW), degree of deacetylation, solubility, and charge density shape its performance in food systems. The paper then follows the main technological routes now tested or used: edible films and coatings, hydrogels, cryogels, nanoparticles, microcapsules, and hybrid matrices. These formats can protect fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and dairy foods, while also supporting beverage clarification, emulsion control, release of natural antimicrobials or antioxidants, and freshness monitoring in active or intelligent packaging. The evidence indicates strong promise, especially where microbial growth, lipid oxidation, moisture transfer, and short shelf life remain limiting factors. Yet, wider industrial use is still slowed by water sensitivity, sensory effects, raw-material variation, cost, process scale-up, and regulatory alignment. Future work should move beyond laboratory efficacy and address reproducible production, food-specific validation, and consumer acceptance.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Design and characterization of sustainable mortars incorporating industrial waste–derived materials
(Nature Research, 2026-03-04) Caftanachi, Mihaela; Vrabie, Mihai; Harja, Maria; Bucur, Roxana-Dana; Bucur, Daniel
Environmental pressures necessitate finding alternatives to Portland cement using alkali-activated aluminosilicate materials. Mortars containing different types of class F fly ash (Romania and Canada), furnace slag, silica fume and sand, activated with 5.1 M potassium hydroxide solution and 40% sodium silicate solution. Three mixes were tested (Mix 1 – fly ash Romania, Mix 2 - fly ash Canada and Mix 3 – fly ash Canada and slag). The activators were chosen to develop materials with high mechanical strength. The activation process occurred at controlled laboratory conditions (20 ± 2℃ and 65% relative humidity). Mix 3 showed the highest strength values of 43.8 MPa and a flexural strength of 7.4 MPa after 28 days. Mix 2 had a compressive strength of 26.0 MPa, in contrast to 8.3 MPa for Mix 1. The addition of blast furnace slag (Mix 3 vs. Mix 2) nearly doubled the compressive strength values. Proposed mixes are an effective alternative to cement mortar that reduce waste, through valorization of industrial by-products and diminish carbon dioxide emissions by 30%. Microstructural analyses (SEM and XRD) confirmed the formation of reaction products consistent with the observed mechanical strength. The developed mixes show promising mechanical performance and contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in construction materials.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Effect of Lupin Flour Incorporation on the Quality Characteristics of Chicken Meat Sausages
(MDPI, 2026-06-08) Ciobanu, Marius-Mihai; Ciobotaru, Mihai Cătălin; Manoliu, Diana-Remina
The incorporation of plant-based protein ingredients into processed meat products represents a promising strategy for reformulating meat products while addressing sustainability and resource efficiency concerns within the food industry. This study investigated the effect of sweet lupin flour incorporated at 2%, 4%, and 6% substitution levels on the quality characteristics of chicken meat sausages. Four batches were produced: a control (CB0%) and three lupin-enriched formulations (CLS2%, CLS4%, CLS6%), and evaluated for proximate composition, pH, water activity, colorimetric parameters, Warner–Bratzler shear force, and sensory acceptability. Lupin flour incorporation significantly modified all parameters, increasing ash, fat, carbohydrate, and energy content while moderately reducing moisture and protein. A progressive decrease in pH and water activity was observed alongside a colorimetric shift toward higher lightness and yellowness, with total color differences exceeding the visual perceptibility threshold of 5 at CLS4% and CLS6%. Shear force and work of cutting increased proportionally with substitution level, reflecting structural reinforcement of the protein matrix. Sensory evaluation confirmed that 2% substitution maintained overall acceptability within the positive range of the hedonic scale, while 4% remained acceptable but with some sensory decline, and the 6% received scores below the scale midpoint. These results suggest that lupin flour can be incorporated at up to 4%, while maintaining overall sensory scores within the positive range of the hedonic scale, supporting its potential as a plant-derived ingredient in the reformulation of poultry-based processed meat products.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Proteolytic Tenderization of Pork Loin with Papain and Bromelain and Its Physicochemical and Sensory Effects
(MDPI, 2026-06-15) Ciobotaru, Mihai-Cătălin; Anchidin, Bianca-Georgiana; Manoliu, Diana-Remina; Ciobanu, Marius-Mihai; Boișteanu, Paul-Corneliu
Improving tenderness in whole-muscle pork products remains a technological challenge, particularly when natural processing strategies are preferred over conventional additives, as texture is regarded as one of the most important quality attributes influencing consumer perception and acceptance of meat products. This study investigated whether two plant proteases, papain and bromelain, incorporated into a red algae-based brine containing Palmaria palmata could enhance the quality of injected pork loin without compromising microbiological safety or sensory acceptance. Seven batches were produced: a control sample and six enzyme-treated samples containing papain or bromelain at 0.015%, 0.030%, and 0.045%. Overall, the enzymatic treatments had a limited effect on proximate composition. However, a modest decrease in fat content was observed, from 3.09% in the control sample to 2.70–2.82% in the samples treated with the highest concentrations of papain and bromelain (0.045%). In contrast, instrumental color and texture were strongly affected. Enzyme-treated samples became lighter, less red, and less saturated, with redness decreasing from 13.07 in the control to 5.19–6.66 in the highest-dose treatments and total color differences reaching 8.66. The most relevant effect was observed in texture, where papain and bromelain markedly reduced shear force, shear work, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness; shear force decreased from 26.22 N/cm2 in the control to 10.78 N/cm2 and 9.38 N/cm2 in the batches treated with the highest enzyme concentrations. During refrigerated storage, total viable counts increased gradually but remained low, with a maximum of 4.56 × 102 CFU/g, while Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected. Sensory analysis further showed that enzymatic treatment improved perceived tenderness and juiciness without reducing overall acceptability. These findings indicate that papain and bromelain can be used as natural tenderizing tools in injected pork loin, offering a promising route toward cleaner-label meat products with improved texture and preserved microbiological quality.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Assessing Farm-Level Digital Maturity in European Agriculture: The Digital Farm Index and Investment Barriers to Agriculture 4.0
(MDPI, 2026-07-22) Ailioaei, Claudiu-Ovidiu; Dumitraș, Constantin-Dragoș; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
The transition toward Agriculture 4.0 aims to improve farm performance and sustainability; however, existing macroeconomic indicators do not fully capture the depth of farm-level digital adoption. This study proposes the Digital Farm Index (DFI) as a tool for assessing digital maturity and regional disparities in European agriculture. The research combines bibliometric mapping of the scientific literature with an empirical DFI assessment for 18 European Union Member States using Eurostat data. The empirical assessment utilizes multiple linear regression, log-linear scale modeling, and hierarchical clustering to analyze adoption patterns and structural determinants. The index integrates four dimensions: connectivity, precision agriculture, robotics, and farm management information systems (FMIS). Results indicate that adoption is concentrated in larger farms, as area-weighted digital maturity (DFI-Hectares) consistently exceeds farm-level adoption (DFI-Farms). CAPEX-based cost modeling suggests the existence of a technological indivisibility threshold, whereby digitalization may become an entry barrier for fragmented farms with limited economies of scale. Multiple linear regression suggests an East–West structural trend: while farm size influences the territorial diffusion of technology, a more consolidated regional innovation ecosystem appears more relevant for farm-level adoption. Findings also highlight a hardware–software imbalance and limited use of data-driven managerial tools. Support policies should therefore move beyond equipment subsidies and include technology transfer networks, digital skills, and managerial data-integration tools.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
What Drives Renewable Energy Adoption in EU Countries? Evidence on the Differential Effects of Economic, Structural and Energy Factors
(MDPI, 2026-04-30) Andy-Felix, Jităreanu; Mioara, Mihăilă; Carmen-Luiza, Costuleanu; Alina, Mărcuță; Liviu, Mărcuță; Valentina Constanța, Tudor; Marius Mihai, Micu; Iulia Diana, Arion
The transition to renewable energy is a central objective of the European Union’s energy and climate policies, yet adoption rates differ significantly across Member States. This study analyses the economic, structural, and energy determinants of renewable energy adoption in the EU-27 over the period 2008–2023, using panel data models with country and year fixed effects and clustered standard errors. The results indicate that the relationship between renewable energy and its main determinants is limited and heterogeneous across countries. Most explanatory variables do not exhibit consistent and statistically significant effects across model specifications. In particular, research and development expenditure does not show a robust impact, while GDP per capita is associated with negative coefficients in several specifications, suggesting the presence of structural constraints and path dependency. Energy-related variables also display weak and unstable relationships. The findings suggest that renewable energy adoption is shaped by context-specific and heterogeneous dynamics rather than by uniform drivers. The study contributes by highlighting the limited explanatory power of standard macroeconomic indicators and supports the need for differentiated policy approaches across Member States.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Field Performance and Wear Behavior of Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) Coated Discs Used in Agricultural Disc Harrows
(MDPI, 2026-01-01) Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Munteanu, Corneliu; Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Istrate, Bogdan; Benchea, Marcelin; Melnic, Iurie
The wear performance of coated and uncoated harrow discs was evaluated under real agricultural field conditions in order to assess the long-term effectiveness of three atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) systems: a Cr2O3–SiO2–TiO2 ceramic coating, a WC/W2C–Co carbide coating, and a Co–Cr–Ni–W–C alloy coating. In contrast to most previous studies focused on laboratory testing or short-term trials, the present work provides a comparative long-term field evaluation over 50 ha per disc (1000 ha total) under identical operating conditions in quartz-rich Argic Luvisol soil. Disc wear was quantified through periodic mass-loss and diameter measurements, complemented by microstructural and SEM analyses. The uncoated disc exhibited the most severe degradation, with a total mass loss of approximately 700 g and rapid acceleration of wear after the first 5–10 ha. The ceramic-coated disc showed the highest durability, limiting mass loss to approximately 390 g, corresponding to a reduction of about 44%, and maintaining the largest residual diameter after field operation. The Co-based alloy provided intermediate performance (~16% mass-loss reduction), while the carbide coating showed limited improvement (~7% reduction) due to microcracking and weak carbide–binder interfaces. The results demonstrate that, under real field conditions, coating microstructural integrity is more critical than nominal hardness, and highlight the superior effectiveness of ceramic APS coatings for extending disc service life in abrasive agricultural soils.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Improving the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Agricultural Ploughs Through Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) Thermal Coatings
(MDPI, 2026-07-21) Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Munteanu, Corneliu; Bogdan Istrate; Ianuș, Gelu; Marian, Grigore; Boris, Nazar; Marian,Teodor; Benchea, Marcelin; Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae
This paper presents experimental investigations carried out on components belonging to agricultural plough assemblies, which undergo significant mechanical loading during soil tillage operations. Due to severe operating conditions, ploughs are subjected to abrasive wear and impact stresses, so that enhancing these properties translates into improved performance, accompanied by a lower failure rate and, consequently, reduced downtime in agricultural activity. In order to upgrade the material properties of the active parts that come into direct and sustained contact with the soil—and which are therefore most vulnerable to degradation—surface thermal coatings were applied by means of Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) deposition, with the aim of extending service performance and component lifespan. The mechanical properties of the deposited coatings were assessed through hardness testing (approx. 204 HV) and microscratch behaviour evaluation (COF > 1). In addition, microstructural examinations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy to characterise the surface condition following the thermal deposition process. The findings confirm that thermal coatings represent a viable technical solution, enabling not only the improvement of plough component properties, but also the possibility of reconditioning worn parts by compensating, through thermal deposition, for the material loss caused by soil-induced wear during field operation
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Enhancing Dielectric, Electrical, and Gas Sensing Properties of CaFeO3−δ Through Sintering Temperature Optimization
(MDPI, 2026-03-17) Benatia, Amina; Gouitaa, Najwa; Turcan, Ina; Gheorghiu, Felicia; Ursu, Laura-Elena; Leontie, Liviu; Mitoseriu, Liliana; Ahjyaje, Fatima Zahra; Lamcharfi, Taj-dine; Abdi, Farid
This research aims to investigate the modifications of the structural, dielectric, and sensing properties of CaFeO3−δ ceramics produced by solid-state reaction induced by varying sintering temperatures in the range of 1000–1200 °C. A single crystallographic orthorhombic (Pcmn) structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis, both for the powders and sintered ceramics, irrespective of the sintering temperature. The increase in the sintering temperature induces better densification and a larger grain size. Dielectric measurements reveal a pronounced enhancement of the relative permittivity, reaching 2 × 105 at 1 kHz and 330 °C for the sample sintered at 1200 °C/4 h. This composition also displays the highest electrical conductivity, 0.4 S/m at 1 MHz. Cole–Cole analysis indicates a clear deviation from ideal Debye behavior, while the relaxational features of the dielectric permittivity suggest a strong correlation between the dielectric response and Fe-related conduction mechanisms. Gas sensing tests show that the ferrite ceramics exhibit consistent ethanol response trends. The ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h achieved the highest sensitivity, of 56.28%, which can be attributed to its higher density, larger ceramic grains, and reduced low-frequency conductivity. The CaFeO3−δ ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h shows a combination of high permittivity, enhanced conductivity, and strong ethanol sensitivity, making it a promising material for dielectric components, capacitive devices, and gas sensing applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Field Performance andWear Behavior of Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) Coated Discs Used in Agricultural Disc Harrows
(MDPI, 2026-01-01) Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Munteanu, Corneliu; Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Istrate, Bogdan; Benchea, Marcelin; Melnic, Iurie
The wear performance of coated and uncoated harrow discs was evaluated under real agricultural field conditions in order to assess the long-term effectiveness of three atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) systems: a Cr2O3–SiO2–TiO2 ceramic coating, a WC/W2C–Co carbide coating, and a Co–Cr–Ni–W–C alloy coating. In contrast to most previous studies focused on laboratory testing or short-term trials, the present work provides a comparative long-term field evaluation over 50 ha per disc (1000 ha total) under identical operating conditions in quartz-rich Argic Luvisol soil. Disc wear was quantified through periodic mass-loss and diameter measurements, complemented by microstructural and SEM analyses. The uncoated disc exhibited the most severe degradation, with a total mass loss of approximately 700 g and rapid acceleration of wear after the first 5–10 ha. The ceramic-coated disc showed the highest durability, limiting mass loss to approximately 390 g, corresponding to a reduction of about 44%, and maintaining the largest residual diameter after field operation. The Co-based alloy provided intermediate performance (~16% mass-loss reduction), while the carbide coating showed limited improvement (~7% reduction) due to microcracking and weak carbide–binder interfaces. The results demonstrate that, under real field conditions, coating microstructural integrity is more critical than nominal hardness, and highlight the superior effectiveness of ceramic APS coatings for extending disc service life in abrasive agricultural soils.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of Nutraceutical Properties of Fruits Derived from Some Wild‑Growing Plant Species (Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L.)
(MDPI, 2026-04-07) Lungoci, Constantin; Motrescu, Iuliana; Vlase, Laurian; Puiu, Ioan
Wild-growing plant species are sustainable, cost-effective and underexploited sources for bioactive compounds with great nutraceutical potential. In this work, we analysed the fruits of several wild plant species: Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed diverse concentrations of phenolic acids, with the highest values observed for rutoside (22.183 µg mL−1) and isoquercitrin (11.663 µg mL−1) in S. nigra L., chlorogenic acid (7.422 µg mL−1) in R. tinctorum L., caftaric acid (4.942 µg mL−1) in P. americana L., and quercitrin (1.380 µg mL−1) and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1.196 µg mL−1) in S. ebulus L. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that S. nigra L. had the highest concentration of total phenols (14.21 mg GAE g−1 FW) and the highest flavonoid content (8.07 mg QE g−1 FW). The lowest values were recorded for R. tinctorum L. (total phenols) and P. americana L. (flavonoids). The antioxidant activity was generally high, with the lowest value of 76.08% for S. nigra L. and over 90% for all other species, peaking at 93.25% for P. americana L. The Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay showed a similar pattern. S. ebulus L. and R. tinctorum L. exhibited the highest carbohydrate content and protein solubility, respectively. P. americana L. fruits had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, 0.136 mg g−1 FW. These results highlight the remarkable nutraceutical potential of certain wild fruits, identifying them as rich and cost-effective sources of bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants, with promising perspectives for future studies on their therapeutic potential.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Synergistic Interactions and Short-Term Impact of Tillage Systems on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Organic Carbon Sequestration in North-Eastern Romania
(MDPI, 2026-01-10) Cakpo, Serginho Segla ; Rusu, Mariana; Ghelbere, Cosmin; Mihu, Gabriel-Dumitru; Aostăcioaei, Tudor-George; Boți, Ioan; Jităreanu, Gerard; Țopa, Denis-Constantin
Tillage practices regulate soil health by influencing soil’s physico-chemical qualities and its capacity to sequester organic carbon. Maintaining soil health contributes to ecosystem stability and fluidity in the soil–plant–atmosphere relationship. This study aimed to evaluate soil porosity (SP), aeration limit (SAL), soil capillary capacity (SCC), soil total capacity (STC), soil temperature (Ts), air temperature (Ta), nutrient availability, soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil organic matter (SOM) under three different tillage systems: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), and conventional tillage (CT), based on a short-term field experiment. This research was conducted on Cambic Chernozem soil using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed a significant effect of tillage systems on all evaluated properties. SP reached a higher value under MT (60.01%), NT (56.74%) and CT (53.58%), respectively. This observation is similar with regard to SAL, SCC, and STC. It might be due to the reduced soil disturbance characteristics of conservation systems, thereby maintaining the soil’s natural state. There is a positive regression between these two properties across all three systems, with the highest R2 = 0.8308 observed under MT. The highest carbon stocks were recorded in NT (2.82%) and MT (2.91%) compared to 2.01% in CT at surface depths of 0–5 and 5–10 cm. This can be explained by the accumulation of organic residues and a reduction in their oxidation. Nutrient availability (TN, P, and K) increased at depths of 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm, with the highest values in conservation systems. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a significant relationship and positive synergy between soil depth, tillage practices, and key physical and chemical soil properties, especially carbon stock, across the two cropping seasons.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Non-Thermal Plasma as Novel Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Biotechnology for Seed Treatment and Stimulation of Early Plant Growth
(MDPI, 2026-03-31) Motrescu, Iuliana; Lungoci, Constantin; Luchian, Camelia-Elena; Rîmbu, Cristina-Mihaela; Ciolan, Mihai-Alexandru; Calistru, Anca-Elena; Miron, Liviu-Dan; Jităreanu, Gerard
Modern agriculture faces significant challenges, such as population growth, the reduction in productive agricultural land, and, most importantly, climate change. To address these issues, non-thermal plasma treatment of seeds and plants has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical-based methods. This advanced technology, a powerful chemical reactor in the gas phase, has various applications, from stimulating seed germination and plant growth to controlling pathogens. The effects of non-thermal plasma on seeds include morphological and chemical changes in the seed coat, increased permeability and water uptake, and the activation of some internal biochemical mechanisms. Studies have demonstrated improvements in germination, plant development, and the activation of internal biochemical mechanisms with the intensified production of secondary metabolites. Non-thermal plasma also contributes to reducing the microbial load, providing an effective and environmentally friendly method of disinfection. This review synthesises the current knowledge on non-thermal plasma sources used in plasma agricultural applications for seed treatments, emphasising that in some cases the exposure of seeds to such discharge stimulates germination and also promotes early seedling growth. In addition, it highlights reported biochemical and nutraceutical improvements, including changes in antioxidant capacity, phenolic content and other bioactive compounds which add considerable value to the resulting plants. Finally, the decontamination potential is discussed, along with results discussing the potential of NTP to decontaminate seeds, associated with an extension to the shelf-life of products and identifying key challenges and research gaps for implementing this technology in agricultural practices. The integration of this technology into modern agriculture, including vertical farms and hydroponic systems, opens up the prospect for more sustainable and productive agriculture. However, scaling up the process and optimising processing parameters remain important challenges that require further attention, research and technological development.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Water Regime Effects on Phosphorus Mobility and the Performance of Liquid Phosphorus Fertilizers in Contrasting Soils
(MDPI, 2026-03-02) Răus, Lucian; Bolohan, Diana-Elena
The behavior of phosphorus (P) fertilizers in soil is governed not only by fertilizer solubility, but also by P mobility and vertical redistribution within the soil profile under contrasting water regime. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of water regime, fertilizer type, and soil properties on the vertical redistribution of ammonium acetate–lactate extractable phosphorus (P-AL) in the surface soil layer under controlled pot conditions. Experiments were conducted using three soils with contrasting chemical properties: AC-LO (acidic loam, pH 5.9), NE-CL (neutral clay loam, pH 6.8), and AL-SL (alkaline sandy loam, pH 8.0). Four simulated rainfall regimes were applied at a constant rate of 25 mm day−1, corresponding to cumulative water inputs of 0 mm (W0), 50 mm (W50), 100 mm (W100), and 150 mm (W150). Fertilizer treatments included an unfertilized control (NF), a liquid NP 4–18 fertilizer applied at a low dose (L1), a liquid NP 4–18 fertilizer applied at a high dose (L2), and a solid NPK 15–15–15 fertilizer (S). Water regime exerted the strongest control on P mobility, with P-AL increasing by approximately 40–60% from W0 to W150, depending on soil type. In AC-LO, strong P fixation under low moisture minimized differences among fertilizer treatments, whereas under higher moisture (W100–W150), liquid fertilizers—particularly L2—resulted in P-AL levels approximately 10–30% higher than those of the solid fertilizer. In NE-CL, P mobility was moderate and, under W100–W150, L2 produced P-AL values approximately 10–15% higher than the solid fertilizer, promoting a more uniform P redistribution within the 2–8 cm layer. In AL-SL, the response under wet conditions depended on the water regime: at W100, L2 generated P-AL values comparable to the solid fertilizer, whereas at W150, L2 increased P-AL by approximately 11% relative to the solid form. Overall, the results indicate that soil chemical properties primarily regulate the extent of phosphorus redistribution, while water regime controls its intensity and fertilizer form influences the initial spatial configuration of P within the surface soil layer. The findings provide mechanistic insight into short-range phosphorus transport in soil, without allowing direct inferences regarding agronomic efficiency or crop response.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Interannual Climatic Variability Modulates Biostimulant and Herbicide Effects on Yield and Seed Quality of White Lupin Under Rainfed Conditions
(MDPI, 2026-02-27) Velică, Florin; Puiu, Ioan; Simioniuc, Dănuț-Petru; Ghițău, Carmen-Simona; Robu, Teodor
White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is increasingly promoted as a sustainable protein crop; however, the consistency of agronomic input responses under rainfed continental conditions remains insufficiently documented. This study evaluated the interannual consistency of a foliar amino acid-based biostimulant (Aminotop N) and herbicide-based weed control on morphological traits, grain yield, seed physical quality (thousand-seed weight and hectoliter mass), and seed nitrogen and crude protein concentration of white lupin (cv. Măriuca). A 2 × 2 factorial field experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design was conducted across two consecutive growing seasons (2024–2025). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of year and significant year × treatment interactions for grain yield and seed physical traits (p ≤ 0.05), indicating season-dependent treatment responses. Statistically significant treatment differences were detected in 2024, whereas no differences were observed among treatments in 2025. Seed total nitrogen concentration and crude protein content remained statistically stable across treatments and years. Principal component analysis explained 98.2% of total variance, with the first component primarily separating years rather than treatments. These results demonstrate that treatment effects were not consistently expressed across seasons and highlight the necessity of multi-year validation when assessing agronomic input effectiveness in white lupin under rainfed conditions.

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